Plan to pave Edworthy Park lot, charge for parking concerning for park users

A plan to pave a parking lot and then start charging to park is not going over well among some users of Edworthy Park.

A plan to pave the parking lot at Edworthy Park and then charge to park there is not going over well with some park users.

The city is planning to pave the north Edworthy Park parking lot, near Bowness Road N.W.

The project aims to reduce potholes and dust in the gravel lot and mitigate flood concerns during rainfall and snowmelt.

The plan to pave it will cost more than $1 million, but the city hopes to recoup costs through paid parking.

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Ward 7 Councillor Terry Wong said he first heard about the plan when a constituent asked him about it. He added there has been a lack of public engagement.

Construction is expected to begin in spring/summer 2026.

The proposed upgrades include paving with asphalt, updates to stormwater management, accessibility, lighting, security, landscaping and clearly marked parking stalls, according to the parking authority.

The project will also add electric vehicle chargers.

One park user who spoke with CTV News said they are not in favour of having a paid parking lot in a park.

Another noted that the lot has been in “horrible condition for a long time,” but added that they didn’t think users would have to help pay for the improvements.

With the updates to the lot, the city says there would be 178 parking stalls – a loss of approximately 12 spots.

The city is hosting outdoor drop-in information sessions about the projects. Two will be held in the north parking lot on Monday, May 5, between 7:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m., and Friday, May 9, between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Another will be held at the Parkdale Nifty Fifties Seniors Association, located at 3512 5 Ave N.W., on Wednesday, May 28, with drop-in times between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m.

More information can be found on the Calgary Parking‘s website.